Monday 21 August 2017 08:22, UK
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde dedicated his team's 2-0 La Liga victory over Real Betis to the victims of Spain's terrorist attacks.
On an emotional night at the Nou Camp, both clubs paid tribute to those caught up in the atrocities in the city and at Cambrils before the game, and the Barca players wore the city's name, rather then their own, on the backs of their shirts.
Speaking afterwards, Valverde told a press conference: "We have to keep going with a sense of normality. We wanted to win the game for all the victims of the attack."
Betis defender Alin Tosca's own goal and a second from Sergio Roberto inside three first-half minutes secured the points for the home side, who might have won far more comfortably despite Neymar's departure and the absence of Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez through injury.
Lionel Messi, who was looking for his 350th La Liga goal, hit the post on three occasions as 'keeper Antonio Adan rode his luck.
However, Valverde was happy with the Argentinian's contribution after asking him to play in a "false nine" role.
He said: "It is an opportunity to have Leo in this position since he likes to drop off and try to take advantage of the space.
"I will not change the system often, although our style of play does not change. The most important thing is that the team does not separate and we are together in attack and defence."
New boss Valverde was delighted to have secured his first league victory after the club's Spanish Super Cup humbling at the hands of arch-rivals Real Madrid.
He said: "This win is important to be able to get back to the good sensations after a bad result."
